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*The views and opinions expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Montana Association of Christians. MAC is a progressive, ecumenical organization, committed to the values of Matthew 25 and embracing the diversity of all individuals. If you have questions about MAC's position on any public policy issues, please feel free to contact the MAC at admin@macmt.org.

Last summer, a bi-partisan bill titled the Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abusers Act was introduced in the House (H.R.3130) and the Senate (S.1520) in order to close loopholes that allow certain domestic abusers to legally acquire guns. This bill would close the so-called "boyfriend loophole" by expanding the restrictions on firearm purchasing to include dating partners in addition to spouses and cohabitants who are under restraining orders or who have been convicted of misdemeanors for domestic violence. Additionally, this bill would bar these partners, spouses, and cohabitants from legally acquiring firearms if they have been convicted of misdemeanors for stalking.

These revisions are crucial and urgent. Every single day more than 3women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. Nearly half of these homicides are committed by dating partners. 76% of these women were stalked, and 2 out of every 3 were killed by a firearm.

In our Baptismal Covenant, we promise to "respect the dignity of every human being," and as demonstrated by Episcopal policy, one key element of this is working for "the reduction of domestic violence and the protection of [its] victims." The Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abusers Act would be a critical step forward in enacting comprehensive gun safety legislation in accordance with the core values of our faith.Go here to contact your members of Congress today to tell them to support H.R. 3130 and S. 1520!

Congress is out for the summer. Check out the EPPN blog to learn more about how you can engage your members of Congress during the August recess!Please note: This will be the last EPPN policy alert until September 2016. Be sure to keep in touch with us on social media and keep up your advocacy efforts by visiting advocacy.episcopalchurch.org!